3 GOAL OF THIS DOCUMENT This document is to provide guidelines on minimum requirements of the hardware & software to be used when considering, specifying and installing DigiFort IP Surveillance System. OPEN HARDWARE DigiFort supports and encourages the use of open hardware, meaning you can use network switches, computers & server grade components from any brand name manufacturer that meet the DigiFort s minimum requirements described within this document. RAID STORAGE Although not required, RAID is highly recommended to prevent data-loss. DigiFort is compatible to use with any version of raid storages. Keep in mind, RAID can improve disk read/write speeds on heavily loaded systems (40 cameras and above per server). Common Practice: 2 x 160GB in RAID 1 (mirror OS 160GB usable) (drive C:\) 7 x 750GB in RAID 5 (storage vol1 4.5TB usable) (drive E:\) 7 x 750GB in RAID 5 (storage vol2 4.5TB usable) (drive F:\) NOTE: How you setup and use the RAID is up to each individual and what they feel is the best solution for their needs. Above is a simple common example of how RAID 1 & RAID 5 are used & setup on a single 16 bay server. All RAID types are supported, here is a list of more commonly used RAID types; RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 1+0, RAID 5+0, RAID 6+0 For more information on raid, please visit NETWORK ATTACHED STORAGE (NAS) NAS is not recommended to use with DigiFort, due to fact, it adds unnecessary load onto the network. Also, due to the multiprotocol it requires, and the reduced CPU and OS layer, the NAS has its limitations compared to the attached storage systems. Certain NAS devices fail to expose wellknown services that are typical of a file server, or enable them in a way that is not efficient. Examples are: ability to compute disk usage of separate directories, ability to index files rapidly (locate), ability to mirror efficiently, and to enumerate huge file hierarchies at the nominal speed of local drives and induces considerable network traffic. For more information on NAS, please visit If you still wish to use NAS devices, ensure you have adequate bandwidth available, and even use a secondary network card from server to free up bandwidth from the primary incoming network card. (see NIC & Load Balancing below) Ensure that you test each NAS device for several days & that it is storing the data properly & efficiently from DigiFort. Base your tests on continuous recording. Support ASIA Support EUROPE 3

4 DigiFort System Specifications DIRECTLY ATTACHED STORAGE ( The main protocols used in DAS are ATA, SATA, SCSI, SAS and Fibre Channel. Trad system enables storage capacity extension for a server, while keeping high data access rate. A typical DAS system is made of one or more enclosures holding storag as hard disk drives, and one or more controllers. The interfacee with the server or the made through a host bus adapter (HBA). MULTICAST (DAS) DigiFort highly encourages the use of directly attached storage with RAID. For more information on Direct Attached storage, please visit Multicast addressing is a network technology for the delivery of information to a group of destinations simultaneously using the most efficient strategy to deliver the messages over each link of the network only once, creating copies only when the links to the multiple destinations split. For more information on Multicasting, please visit /en.wikipedia.org/wiki/multicast Digifort versions 6.3 and above, supportss multicast functionalit ty. itionally, a bandwidth DAS and ge devices such e workstation is NOTE: CAUTION: For efficient multicasting, a more intelligent switch will be required. So called Layer 2 switches, need Internet Group Management Protocol ( IGMP) to be enabled, only then will the switch forward multicast traffic out of requested ports, instead of flood behavior out of every switch port. For multicast to span subnets & vlans, a Layer 3 network switch may be required, to route traffic from one network or vlan to another. Layer 2 switchess cannot perform this function without a router, however layer 3 switches generally have routing capabilities within (router within switch). Most switches, even home grade switches, will be capable of multicasting. However they do not manage the multicast properly, causing the switch to flood like a hub, saturating your network with data and causing drop outs, blocky video & even seizing completely, and may affect the entire connected network where IGMP is not enabled. //www.digifort.com/ Support ASIA Support EUROPE 4

5 DigiFort System Specifications NETWORK INTERFACE CARDS (N NIC) & LO OAD BALANCING Network card bottlenecks can and will slow down the transmission and processing of data across the network. Also, they represent potential points of failure. To avoid points of failure, installing multiple NIC s into a server can provide the following benefits; Load Balancing Example: NIC1 receives streams from c client connections and video Improved Throughput Example: NIC1 receives streams from streamss from /24 n cameras requiring large amou Approximately, a 3MP camera Failover Example: NIC1 & NIC2 can be teame same IP address. NIC cards h with dual on-board NIC s sup supporting teaming. cameras on /24 network, NIC2 provides on /24 network. cameras on /24 network, NIC2 receives network. This can be useful with megapixel unt of bandwidth for a small number of cameras. a, at 12fps, uses up to 55Mbps. ed, so if 1 fails the other takes over using the ave to have this feature available. Most servers pport this feature. Intel NIC s are well knownn for GIGABIT LINKS As a rule, always use minimum 1 Gigabit connection in between; 1. Workstation to Switch 2. Switch to Switch 3. Server to Switch NOTE: By having a gigabit network, you are also ready for expansion of the CCTV network if need be. Generally; 4CIF 25fps is 4Mbps 4CIF 12FPS is 2Mbps 2CIF 25fps is 2Mbps 2CIF 12FPS is 1Mbps The above, can be used to calculate bandwidth requirements for MPEG4, but not megapixel, H.264, & MJPEG streams & resolutions H.264 Mpeg-4 Motion Compression Mpeg Motion JPEG //www.digifort.com/ Support ASIA Support EUROPE 5

6 EXAMPLE NETWORK DIAGRAM OF USING 2 NETWORK CARDS FOR TRAFFIC CONTROL The below diagram is just an example, and for such a small system, this would not be necessary. Consider using this method of traffic control when your system reaches 40+ cameras per server. Workstation Workstation Switch NIC1 (eth0) /24 Switch NIC2 (eth1) /24 Server Part of 2 Networks /24 INCOMING FROM CAMERAS /24 OUTGOING FOR WORKSTATIONS Support ASIA Support EUROPE 6

7 OPERATING SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS SUPPORTED OS DigiFort has been tested to work with the following Microsoft Operating Systems; Windows 2003 Server (RC2 Recommended) Windows 2008 Server Windows XP Professional (Any Service Pack SP3 Recommended) Windows Vista (Home/Professional/Business) NOTE: 64 bit Windows editions will work, although DigiFort is a 32 bit application. BEST PRACTICE To optimize the performance of windows read/write & hard-disk-drive read/write speeds. DO NOT use the windows hard-drive for camera recordings. Please leave windows hard-drive just for windows. DO NOT partition the OS hard-drive then use the partition for recording. All recording should go to any other physical hard-drive but not the OS hard-drive. SERVER PC REQUIREMENTS Servers generally just record from cameras and allow connections for users. Servers are not to be used for video viewing & playback. NOTE: Specifications are based on 704x576x25fps motion recording. Motion uses more CPU power. CPU SELECTION 8 Cameras: P4 3.4Ghz 16 Cameras: Core 2 Duo E Cameras: Core 2 Quad Q Cameras: Core 2 Quad Q9650 or Quad XEON 3.0Ghz 1.333Mhz FSB RAM: 2GB VGA Card: Standard Hard Drive: DigiFort installation & logs use less than 100mb. Storage drives you can have as many as windows will support. NIC: Minimum 1 x 1 gigabit LAN CD/DVD: Optional Scenario: To record 200 cameras at 704x576x25fps on motion recording, you will need 5 servers with Quad XEON 3.0Ghz CPU s 40 cameras per server. Support ASIA Support EUROPE 7

9 WINDOWS & SERVER PRE-REQUISITES (PREPARING WINDOWS FOR DIGIFORT) Please ensure your Windows is; 1. Compatible with DigiFort. 2. Meets minimum requirements of DigiFort in terms of memory and CPU speed. 3. Has 1 gigabit LAN port available. (gigabit LAN is required for all servers/workstations) 4. Has the latest security updates installed. 5. Has the latest Service Packs installed. 6. Has all the required hardware drivers installed. 7. All power saving options are disabled. 8. Firewall must be switched off. (ensure your anti-virus software firewall is also disabled) 9. Storage hard-drives for footage are on separate physical disks from windows. 10. Setup your anti-virus software according to instructions in this document below. DIGIFORT SOFTWARE INSTALLATION PRE-REQUISITES Please ensure; 1. Your Windows & Server meet specifications 2. The license for DigiFort has been arranged. 3. You have all devices working such as storage arrays, NAS, iscsi, etc. 4. Your network is ready to go. 5. Your cameras are powered & setup accordingly. 6. You have all necessary usernames & passwords. VIDEO DISPLAY VGA CARDS & MONITOR CONNECTORS Minimum recommended resolution to use on DigiFort clients is 1024x768 at 32bit color. DigiFort can support multiple monitors. It will work on as many monitors Windows is able to detect. Use DVI or HDMI connections on high resolution monitors for optimum results & best quality (such as full HD 1920x1080 resolution). DigiFort recommends you use and/or specify ATI or NVidia PCI Express graphics cards, with at least 128/256MB minimum of memory. NOTE: Intel & S3 Graphics Card are not recommended to be used in workstations/clients. These graphics cards generally do not perform well for high display rate/frame rate. These however, can be used in servers that record the streams only. Support ASIA Support EUROPE 9

10 NETWORK REQUIREMENTS INTRODUCTION DigiFort IP surveillance software utilizes standard based TCP/IP networks, home to enterprise grade switches & wireless link technologies available from variety of network product providers. Depending on the application and network specifics, DigiFort uses the following protocols for command and control and video transport: TCP/IP Unicast UDP/IP Unicast RTP/UDP/IP RTP/RTSP/TCP/IP HTTP/TCP/IP RTP/RTSP/HTTP/TCP/IP RCP +3 NETWORK DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS Common considerations that should be taken into account when designing your network: 1. SIZE AND SCOPE: Will DigiFort reside on a Local or Wide Area Network? What is the connection type between the different sites (if any)? Is access via the Internet required? Is Multicast required, or can you use unicast efficiently? 2. BANDWIDTH REQUIREMENTS: How many IP cameras/encoders will you connect to DigiFort? Will you be using dual-streaming encoders or IP cameras? If so, what is the total number of video streams your network will need to support? What is the total number of multicast video streams your network will need to support? Which compression formats and quality settings will your encoders/ip cameras use? What is the typical bandwidth utilizations associated with these settings? How will the expected level of motion (or PTZ movement) affect those values? Estimate your systems expected bandwidth utilization. For large systems, consider partitioning the network into subnets/vlans to distribute the traffic in the most efficiently way across switches and routers. Keeping the number of devices per subnet to a reasonable size is generally a good thing to do; irrespective of whether video is being deployed. 3. OTHER NETWORK USERS AND APPLICATIONS: What percentage of the network s bandwidth can you dedicate for use by the video security system? Is the network protected by a firewall? Support ASIA Support EUROPE 10

11 4. DIGIFORT SERVERS/ATTACHED STORAGE CONSIDERATIONS: Where will the servers/storage be located? Will the servers have enough bandwidth when activated? How do I design the network with redundancy and/or fail-over? 5. POWER OVER ETHERNET CONSIDERATIONS: Are PoE cameras/encoders a present requirement? Are PoE cameras/encoders a future requirement? Which PoE switches to use? 6. WIRELESS CONSIDERATIONS: Is any part of the network wireless? How many channels are available per wireless access point? Consider Wireless link bandwidth and utilisation capacity. 7. REQUIREMENTS: Do the system s users wish to use the notification capabilities of DigiFort? If this is the case, the system must have access to an SMTP server. Support ASIA Support EUROPE 11

13 ANTI-VIRUS TIPS This section describes DigiFort s recommendations for users who wish to install an anti-virus software on a computer (client or server) running the DigiFort software. Customers should be aware that a variety of anti-virus software is available; therefore full set of instructions can not be provided, but only a recommendation guide. The following recommendations below, assume that the DigiFort software is installed to the default path set by the DigiFort Installer. When configuring the anti-virus software Disable the firewall included with the anti-virus software. Configure rules for Real time scans and Scheduled scans. Exclude the following locations for the client and server : The DigiFort system folder (e.g. C:\Program Files\DigiFort\) The Windows Paging file (e.g. C:\pagefile.sys) Exclude the following locations for the server: The drives or folders used for video storage (e.g. Y:\Camera1, Z:\Cameras) NOTE A common mistake is configuring exclusions for Auto-Protect, and forgetting to exclude scheduled and manual scans. Another common mistake is specifying the wrong path to the actual DigiFort folders that need to be excluded. For example: you may exclude C:\Program Files\DigiFort\ when the actual installation path is E:\Program Files\DigiFort\. While the scenarios here are given with the default installation path, please remember that the DigiFort installation path can be modified by the user during the installation. IMPORTANT The above steps will improve read/write speeds of data to the hard-drive. Usually, anti-virus software will scan files on read & write access, therefore disabling the locations that get accessed frequently through DigiFort, will improve performance. Support ASIA Support EUROPE 13

14 WINDOWS INDEXING To improve disk access read/write speed, it is recommended to disable windows indexing on all storage volumes used to save camera data. What is Indexing Service? Indexing Service is a base service for Microsoft Windows 2000 or later that extracts content from files and constructs an indexed catalog to facilitate efficient and rapid searching. Indexing puts un-necessary load on the server, and disabling this function will improve hard-drives read/write speed as well as free some cpu load. Support ASIA Support EUROPE 14

15 SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT KIT (SDK) DigiFort has SDK available allowing you to connect to DigiFort server, obtain live video streams as well as playback. More information on the SDK is available through the SDK document and will be issued upon request. Most common use of DigiFort SDK is to integrate video from DigiFort into another software application such as access control system. OPEN PLATFORM DigiFort IP Surveillance solution doesn t lock you into a particular manufacturer s camera product range, because of this; it is called Open Platform. Supporting well over 520 different IP camera models, standard & megapixel, from different manufacturers, this makes DigiFort unique and open. New cameras are being integrated on a daily and project basis utilizing all stream types MPEG4, MJPEG, Wavelet & H.264. LICENSING OPTIONS DigiFort comes in 3 software versions; Standard, Professional & Enterprise For DigiFort versions comparison, please visit en/comparison_table.php Licensing consists of a BASE licenses, camera licenses, alarm licenses & video analytics licenses. Each BASE license includes some camera licenses as well. NOTE: EXPLORER version of DigiFort is not available for distribution. Alarm license is for use only with COMMBOX product. Camera alarm inputs/outputs can be used with a normal camera license; you do not need alarm license unless you are using COMMBOX. It is possible to start with Standard/Professional version of DigiFort & upgrade to higher versions of Professional & Enterprise of DigiFort. Standard Base (4 cameras included, up to 32 cameras total) Camera Pack 2,4,8,16 additional cameras Base Upgrade to Professional Base of 8 Pack Upgrade to Professional Pack of 2,4,8,16 Base Upgrade to Enterprise Base of 8 Pack Upgrade to Enterprise Pack of 2,4,8,16 Professional Base (8 cameras included, up to 64 cameras total) Camera Pack 2,4,8,16,32 additional cameras Alarm Board Base Base for Management of 1 alarm board (up to 6) Alarm Board Pack Pack for 1,2,4 additional alarm board Base Upgrade to Enterprise Base of 8 Pack Upgrade to Enterprise Pack of 2,4,8,16,32 Enterprise Base (8 cameras included, up to unlimited) Camera Pack 2,4,8,16,32,64 additional cameras Alarm Board Base Base for Management of 1 alarm board (unlimited) Alarm Board Pack Pack for 1,2,4,8,16,32,64 additional alarm board Support ASIA Support EUROPE 15

18 ABOUT DIGIFORT DIGITAL SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM To meet the growing demand for integrated and automated systems designed specifically for digital or analogical camera monitoring, storage and management, the Digifort System, presents a new concept in digital governance, which completely transforms the way companies or small businesses address the area of patrimonial security and personnel security. Making use of the most advanced concepts of digital intelligence in the area of monitoring and patrimonial security, the Digifort System embarks upon a new era of active and passive monitoring of security cameras, where the resources of visualization and storage of images go beyond the physical boundaries of the company, being offered in a distributed and accessible manner by way of the most diversified means of communication used by the organization. Marketed in four different versions, the Digifort System offers features according to the type of project and the number of cameras involved in the solution. A set of functions will be available to the client for each version which will agree to the usage profile for which the product will be used. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE MONITORING AND RECORDING SOFTWARE Monitoring and recording software for closed circuit TV based on TCP/IP with ability to control and visualize IP or analog camera images connected to video servers or coders, as well as record images for later look-up and selective retrieval. The software has a Windows-based graphics-friendly interface and screen display, functions, menu, help screens and manuals in Portuguese language. ADVANTAGES FLEXIBILITY By way of a remote Internet access to the image server, the Digifort System allow accesses from virtually anywhere, offering great user mobility when visualizing and retrieving his camera images. SCALABILITY Guarantees expansion of the number of cameras with no physical or logical limitation on behalf of the system. COMPATIBILITY The Digifort System was designed with the purpose of offering total compatibility with a great variety of IP cameras of various brands and also preserve and make use of devices such as analogical cameras and video servers. PERFORMANCE Designed with Multi-Processing technology (Multi-Threaded), it can make use of multiple processors. INTEGRATION The Digifort System allows the integration of alarms by way of the cameras inputs and outputs and by way of connected alarm boards. IP TECHNOLOGY The use of IP Technology by the Digifort System is in line with the market s dominant platforms, making IP SURVEILLANCE solutions even more considered as the most adaptable, most reliable, and least susceptible to technological obsolescence than any other solutions. Support ASIA Support EUROPE 18

19 GENUINE NATIONAL SOFTWARE Designed for the needs of the Brazilian market with greater ease of support. It s available in three languages (Portuguese, English, and Spanish). EVENT MANAGEMENT Ease of organization and documentation of events that occur in the monitoring system, including the archiving of video footage for later look-up. FRIENDLY AND EASY-TO-UNDERSTAND INTERFACES it has interfaces that are operator and administrator friendly. The monitoring and administration interfaces have separate programming, being that the monitoring system has an operator-oriented interface that must be intuitive and simple for the layman operator, and that the system administrator interface offers a complete vision of the system, by way of a list of the tree-view type much used by administrative systems. ARCHITECTURE AND SECURITY Based on IP Surveillance (IP Monitoring) technology, it allows for the use of IP cameras, video servers and alarm boards of different manufacturers. The system is based on client/server architecture. Has complete user management. Supplies system usage and server performance reports. Built-in web server. Allows simultaneous operations, such as recording, reproduction, system configuration, live monitoring, event enquiry, image look-up, etc. Supports recording and monitoring in Motion-JPEG, MPEG-4, WAVELET, and H.263. Has Multi-Streaming and Multi-Processing system. Allows the use of any image resolution. Has an IP filter feature. Have user groups that allow the application of the same permission configurations to all of the users belonging to the group. The system has global camera configuration tools, whereby the administrator can apply the same configuration to a group of cameras at the same time. IMAGE RECORDING It supports recording and live visualization speeds of up to 30 FPS per camera, recording by manual or external events and/or movement detection. Supports scheduling of recording by time and day of the week. Allows the recording or video transmission to be done only in the case of an event, saving bandwidth and disk space. Has a feature for increasing the recording frame rate in case of movement detection in the images. Has digital certification of the images, which guarantees their authenticity. Has an intelligent disk management system. Support ASIA Support EUROPE 19

20 IMAGE MONITORING Has monitoring assistance tools such as screenshot, camera icons, digital zoom, full-screen, and interactive menus. Has camera and mosaic sequencing and the creation of mosaic formats. Allows the increase of the frame rate of a specific camera. Has real-time motion detection during live monitoring. Simultaneous (digital) zoom of different parts of the screen. Allows the visualization of cameras of various servers in the same screen. SYNOPTIC MAP Has a synoptic map for live monitoring. Displays information about the devices, informing the devices status by way of visual indicators. Allows cameras to be opened by clicking on their icons on the map. Allows cameras to be positioned in pre-determined presets with a simple click. Allows a different map to be opened, by way of a link, transforming it into a map of levels. Allows all of the map s cameras to be opened at the same time by way of a single command. Various JPG images can be used as background of the map. PAN / TILT / ZOOM (PTZ) CONTROL Has control of PTZ cameras and camera presets and allows PTZ vigilance. Allows control of PTZ cameras by way of USB joystick or virtual joystick. Has PTZ blocking by priority. The PTZ system allows control of focus, shutter, auto-focus and auto-shutter as well as allows Absolute and Relative control of cameras with these modes. VIDEO REPRODUCTION, EXPORTATION AND LOOK-UP Allows the synchronized reproduction and exportation of video footage of various cameras simultaneously. Has a time-bar of recorded images, which shows the points where recordings and/or motion exist. Has look-up of motion in the recorded images. Exports video footage to removable media in AVI and Events CD formats. Makes it possible to print a certain photo of video reproduction with a description, the date and the time of the event. ALERTS & EVENTS The system has complete administration of alarms and events, in that it recognizes alarms of any dry-contact device that is connected to the cameras or video servers. This alarm administration includes the following functions: Support ASIA Support EUROPE 20

Digifort Enterprise The most complete Digifort solution for camera and alarm monitoring. The Enterprise version is the package which comprises all of the features available in the Digifort System, offering

Station Comprehensive video management software for monitoring, recording, playback and event management Get the full picture Endless video management possibilities, wherever you are Station is a comprehensive

1 Introduction Quick Start Guide GV-Redundant Server GV-Failover Server Welcome to the GV-Redundant Server / Failover Server Quick Start Guide. In the following sections, you will be guided through the

DVTEL INC. 65 Challenger Road Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 The contents of this guide may not be reproduced or reprinted in whole or in part without the express written permission of DVTEL, INC. Horizon Client

CMS-DH CENTRAL MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE CMS-DH is a central management software that allows you to view and manage up to 300 DH200 series DVRs. System Requirements Your system must meet the system requirements

Management Software v.100.00x takes the best from IP Video Monitoring Software and is the first to combine it with Environmental / Security Sensor and Access Control equipment in one centralized management

BlackHawk for MAC Software User Guide Products: BLK-DH2 Series and BLK-HD Series DVRs Please read this manual before using your software, and always follow the instructions for safety and proper use. Save

Product Highlights Concurrent Viewing Record and view real-time video from up to nine cameras in the office or remotely over the Internet Easy Setup and Configuration mydlink technology enables easy setup

DS-7200HWI-SH/A Series DVR Technical Specification Notices The information in this documentation is subject to change without notice and does not represent any commitment on behalf of HIKVISION. HIKVISION

1 (5) Tekla Structures 18 Hardware Recommendation Recommendations for Tekla Structures workstations Tekla Structures hardware recommendations are based on the setups that have been used in testing Tekla

Data Sheet The Video Server IP Video Server (Codec) with H264 compression, Power over Ethernet & SD card recording (Model: X100VS) Easy to set up & use in your home or business premises Powerful 64 Camera

NetClient software user manual 1-1. General information Net Client is an application which provides users not only viewing and controling remote DVRs, but also receiving realtime event data or alarm signals

TVWall User s Manual (for WindowsXP/2003/Win7/Vista) Document edition:v4.1 Document suit for all of the NVS and NVD made in our company. 1 Preface Thank you for using our products, TVWall also called TVwall

Mediasite EX server deployment guide 2008 Sonic Foundry, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be copied and/or redistributed without the consent of Sonic Foundry, Inc. Additional copies

2011 AdRem Software, Inc. This document is written by AdRem Software and represents the views and opinions of AdRem Software regarding its content, as of the date the document was issued. The information

AirCam -2600HD 802.3af H.264 2.0 Mega-Pixel PT IP Camera T he AirCam -2600HD is the high-end pan tile network camera with day and night function and it supports up to 15 meters IR. It is the smallest 2.0

DS-7600NI-SE/P Series NVR Technical Specification Notices The information in this documentation is subject to change without notice and does not represent any commitment on behalf of HIKVISION. HIKVISION

Honeywell HUS-NVR-6032 is a 32-channel network video recorder (NVR) that supports realtime video/audio, live viewing and playback. It can also be applied as an IP storage device in large-scale deployments.

NVR 3.0 System Administrator s Manual For V3.0.02 Version 2013/03/21 About This Manual Target Audience This manual is intended for System Administrators who are responsible for installing and setting up

Using XenData Software and a Spectra Logic Archive With the Video Edition of XenData Archive Series software on a Windows server and a Spectra Logic T-Series digital archive, broadcast organizations have